Lift Canada’s refugee cap in wake of Trump travel ban, NDP MP says
NDP MP Jenny Kwan is calling on the government to lift a cap on privately-sponsored refugees and fast-track refugee claims from the U.S. in response to a travel ban imposed by President Donald Trump.
The British Columbia MP laid out a number of proposed measures ahead of an emergency debate in the House of Commons tonight on the impact of the U.S. travel and immigration crackdown.
Kwan also urged the government to suspend the Safe Third Country Agreement, a pact which considers asylum seekers safe in both Canada and the U.S. and to work with international partners to improve resettlement services for refugees.
“There is no question that this ban promotes hate and intolerance,” she said. “This ban will have a disastrous effect for thousands of innocent travellers and refugees.”
Kwan said the Trump travel ban will have huge negative impact on the economy, as well as cultural and academic development.
House Speaker Geoff Regan granted the request from Kwan, who said the executive order imposed by Trump on Friday will have implications for travellers around the world, including those fleeing persecution, conflict and war.
“Canadians are staunch defenders of human rights, and they reject a ban based on race, religion or country of birth implemented by our closest ally and neighbour,” she said, noting the matter needs the “immediate attention” of the House.
The debate will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET tonight.
Article source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ndp-kwan-trump-travel-ban-1.3959617?cmp=rss